Special Interests
The River Trails Park District offers numerous activities for youth and teens! Check out our current special interest class and Parkour Programs. Youth also enjoy our summer camps, dance and athletic programming.
Rockin’ Guitars
Learn to rock on the guitar! We cover the basics: chords, scales, rhythm and songs. Have your own guitar? Bring it! If not, we’ll supply one. Chad Berardi currently rocks Chicago with his own band, has been playing for 25 years and teaching for 14 years. 6 classes per session. No class 3/26. Min 4/Max 8.
| Age | Location | Day | Time | Date | Fee per session |
| 7-14 yrs | Weiss Community Center | Tuesdays | 4-4:30 pm | Jun 11-Jul 9 | $64R/$77N |
| 7-14 yrs | Weiss Community Center | Tuesdays | 4-4:30 pm | Jul 16-Aug 13 | $64R/$77N |
Young Magicians
Join us for a fun night of magic and mystery! Magic tricks will be taught that include cards, coins, ropes, and much more! You will discover that the tricks are quick to learn and easy to perform. All materials are provided on site. Each child will receive a magic kit to take home at the end of class. Participants are grouped by age and learn age-appropriate tricks. New tricks are taught at each session, so sign up again and again. Contracted by the Magic of Gary Kantor.
| Age | Location | Day | Time | Date | Fee |
| 5-12 yrs | Arlington Heights Park District | M | 6:45-7:40 pm | Jun 24 | $25 |
| 5-12 yrs | Arlington Heights Park District | M | 5:15-6:10 pm | Aug 19 | $25 |
Chess Scholars
Develop your child’s intellect through the royal game of chess! Current research has shown a strong link between chess and academic performance in a variety of areas, including mathematics and language arts. Also, chess has been proven to enhance children’s motivation, concentration, focus, social skills, and creativity. No previous knowledge of chess is necessary. Each class will consist of a fun interactive teaching period and guided practice time. There will also be a chess competition with prizes at the end of the session!
| Grade | Location | Day | Time | Date | Fee |
| K-6 | Burning Bush Community Center | Tu | 3:15-4:15 pm | Jun 18- Jul 9 | $69R/$83N |
| K-6 | Burning Bush Community Center | Tu | 3:15-4:15 pm | Jul 16-Aug 19 | $87R/$104N |
*These programs take place during the school year only!
Chess Scholars –After School Chess Club
Develop your child’s intellect through the royal game of chess! No previous knowledge of chess is necessary. Each class will consist of a fun interactive teaching period and guided practice time. Both beginner and experienced players are welcome and will get to the next level under the guidance of an experienced Chess Scholars coach. There will also be a chess competition with prizes at the end of the session. Activity bus will be available after class. No class 3/27 & 3/28.
Grade: K – 5
Location: Indian Grove School
Grade: K – 5
Location: Euclid School
Smart Start Art
Explore your artistic side with the Smart Art Program from Afterschool Enrichment Solutions. Discover your creativity and imagination as an artist, develop fine-motor skills, style, and vision as we explore different artistic techniques through a variety of inspiring projects and play fun, exciting games. Sketch and draw, shade and color, cut, glue, fold… Create! No experience necessary. Activity bus will be available after class.
Grade: K – 3
Location: Euclid School
Grade: K – 3
Location: Indian Grove School
The Greatest Showman
Get ready to perform! Join us for this musical theater workshop culminating in a showcase featuring age-appropriate excerpts from the movie-musical phenomenon. Students will learn the basics of vocal technique, choreography, and acting while working together to produce an in class performance for family and friends. This class is a great way for young artist to develop their talents, foster self confidence, and grow in social skills and team building. Our showcase will be during the last class. No class July 3.
Grade: 2 – 6
Location: Weiss Community Center
M,W 3 – 4:30 pm
June 17 – 26 $84R/$101N
July 1 – 17 $105R/$125N
Just Improv!
Are you an aspiring young Fey or Fallon? Learn the improv skills from First Line Freeze to Jump Emotions to Sphinx; and how to build scene spontaneously in this fast paced and fun class. We will work on skills that will get you out of your head and into your imagination, the concept of “yes, and,” the importance of ensemble. Parents and friends are invited to join on us for the last 15 minutes of the day. The only materials required for this class are an open mind and a sense of adventure!
Grade: 2 – 6
Location: Weiss Community Center
M,W 3 – 4:30 pm
July 22 – Aug 7
$125R/$145N